Top marks for cycling teacher

PUBLISHED: 16:45 16 October 2008 | UPDATED: 09:48 10 June 2010

WHEN he is not teaching English or geography part time at Sidmouth College, Woodbury man Rob Howells is winning gold in a cycle race. Rob, 56, won a gold medal in the veteran race of the third Brompton World Championship, held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordsh

WHEN he is not teaching English or geography part time at Sidmouth College, Woodbury man Rob Howells is winning gold in a cycle race.Rob, 56, won a gold medal in the veteran race of the third Brompton World Championship, held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.Rob has owned one of the fold-up bikes for 10 years and has ridden it to school and to Exeter, as well as using his normal road bike.But for the race he didn't don the usual cycling gear but a jacket, collar and tie to acknowledge the cycle's popularity among commuters.It was the first time Rob had entered the race, which last year was held in Barcelona.The 13 kilometre championship was also the first time cycling had been allowed in the grounds of Blenheim Palace."We had very good weather that Sunday [September 28]," said Rob.Rob, number 276, was up against some serious contenders, including Tour de France cyclist Roberto Heras who came second overall. As well as being fastest veteran, covering the course in 25.13, he also came 35th out of 400 entrants.